Bidwell Park rangers will start carrying Tasers

CHICO &GT;&GT; Because of the kinds of people they run into, the rangers in Bidwell Park are moving toward carrying Taser electronic stun guns.

The Bidwell Park and Playground Commission heard from head park ranger Shane Romain, who said the unarmed rangers roam the park by themselves and without protection, other than pepper spray and calling police like the public does.

"Chico Police Department (officers) get back up. We don't," he told the commission.

Romain said the Chico Police Department has been offering training to code enforcement officers, and community service officers are already carrying Tasers.

Romain told the commission about a call to a homeless encampment in Bidwell Park, where he found a man with a hatchet, chains, a golf club and spoons for drug use. Romain noted not far from this camp was a swimming area popular with youngsters.

"Our best defense has been words," Romain said of park rangers, "but now we're up again this."

Romain said being equipped with a Taser can be a "visual deterrent" to an attacker.

Romain said rangers got training in December through the police department, but were waiting for the final go-ahead and equipment from the city.